Lemon Tree

by Peter, Paul & Mary

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Lyrics

When (E)I was (B7)just a (E)lad of ten my fa ther (B7)said to (E)me,

“Come here and (B7)take a (C#m)les son (E)from the (A6)love ly (B7)lem on (E)tree.

Don’t (A)put your (G)faith in (A)love my boy!” my (A)fa ther (G)said to (F#m)me.

“I (F)fear you’ll find that (A)love is like the (Bm7)love ly (E7)lem on (A7)tree.” Lem on (D)tree ver y pret ty and the lem on flow er is (A7)sweet, but the fruit of the poor lem on is im pos si ble to (D)eat.

Lem on tree ver y pret ty and the lem on flow er is (A7)sweet, but the fruit of the poor lem on is im pos si ble to (D)eat.

One (E)day be (B7)neath the (E)lem on tree my love and (B7)I did (E)lie,

a girl so (B7)sweet that (C#m)when she (E)smiled the (A6)stars rose (B7)in the (E)sky.

We (A)passed that (G)sum mer (A)lost in love be (A)neath the (G)lem on (F#m)tree;

the (F)mu sic of her (A)laugh ter hid my (Bm7)fa ther’s (E7)words from (A7)me: Lem on (D)tree ver y pret ty and the lem on flow er is (A7)sweet, but the fruit of the poor lem on is im pos si ble to (D)eat.

Lem on tree ver y pret ty and the lem on flow er is (A7)sweet, but the fruit of the poor lem on is im pos si ble to (D)eat.

One (D)eat.

Lem on (A)tree,

lem on (D)tree,

lem on (A)tree,

lem on (D)tree.

Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul & Mary — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul & Mary in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of E at 130 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Lemon Tree" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Lemon Tree"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Lemon Tree" use?
Just 16 chords: A, A6, A7, Amaj7, B, B7, Bm7, C#m, +8 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Peter, Paul & Mary songs work for kids?
Try "WEDDING SONG", "IF I HAD A HAMMER", "PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.